By Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith

Copyright a1radioonline

The government is moving forward with plans to construct a modern airport in Bolgatanga that will accommodate jet aircraft as part of efforts to boost economic development in the northern Upper East Region.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced the project during a government accountability series, saying the airport will serve as “a key gateway to the Upper East Region and boosting important sectors including trade, tourism, and mining.”

The announcement comes as part of broader government initiatives to expand Ghana’s aviation infrastructure beyond the capital, Accra, and leverage regional airports for economic diversification.

The planned Bolgatanga airport represents a significant infrastructure investment for the Upper East Region, which borders Burkina Faso and has substantial mining potential. The facility’s capacity to handle jet aircraft would mark a major upgrade potentially attracting international business and tourism, experts say.

“Following President Maama’s directives, steps are being taken to develop a modern airport in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region,” Nikpe said, indicating high-level government support for the project.

Currently, preliminary work is underway to advance the project. “Studies and site assessments are underway to support the implementation of this project,” the minister noted, though no timeline or cost estimates were provided.

Alongside the Bolgatanga project, the government is also revitalizing Ho airport through a public-private partnership model, transforming it into a comprehensive aviation training and maintenance hub.

The Ho airport initiative involves establishing both an aviation training academy and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility on a 10-acre site within the existing airport grounds.

“To revive the Ho airport through a public-private partnership and transform it into a hub for aviation training and aircraft maintenance, a 10-acre site within the airport has been allocated for this development,” Nikpe explained.

The Ho airport transformation will proceed in two phases, according to the Transport Minister. The first phase focuses on education, while the second addresses aircraft maintenance capabilities.

“The first phase involves establishing a pilot training academy and offers internationally satisfied programs for aspiring pilots in the West Africa sub-region,” Nikpe said, positioning Ghana as a regional aviation training center.

The second phase “will develop an MRO facility to support the maintenance of domestic and regional aircraft,” he added, which could reduce Ghana’s dependence on foreign maintenance services and create technical employment opportunities.

Source: A1radioonline.com | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga